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"The Plattsburg Manual A Handbook for Military Training"

Its success greatly depends on being delivered with
vigor and at the proper time. It may be delivered in two ways:
1st--straight to the front against a weak point in the attacking line,
or 2nd--by launching the reserves against the enemy's flank after he is
fully committed to the attack. The latter method offers the greatest
chances for success and the most effective results.

ADVANTAGES AND DISADVANTAGES OF THE DEFENSIVE

The defense has the following advantages over the attack:
(1) Troops attacking afford a better target than the troops on the
defensive.
(2) A larger amount of ammunition is usually available.
(3) The men can shoot better because they are not fatigued by advancing.
(4) Losses will be less if good cover is secured.

DISADVANTAGES OF THE DEFENSE

(1) The defender surrenders the advantage of the initiative as the
attacker can elect the point of attack and the defender must be prepared
at all points.
(2) The defender must fight amidst his dead and wounded which is
depressing.


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